Manchester United’s performance in the UEFA Champions League has been totally underwhelming. The Red Devils failed to qualify for the tournament last year and are not doing very well this season either. Fans blamed club goalkeeper Andre Onana and manager Erik Ten Hag for the club’s poor performance, but a legendary save from the Cameroonian last night has made the fans see him in a new light.
Not only Andre Onana, but Harry Maguire, who was criticized a lot, showed his potential in the match as well and played a major role in providing Manchester United with their first Champions League 2023–24 victory.
Erik Ten Hag hails Andre Onana
Manchester United was facing defeat after defeat in this year’s Champions League tournament. The club first faced Bundesliga giant Bayern Munich, where they suffered a 4-3 loss. Fans had high hopes when United went against Galatasaray, but all hopes were shattered after the final whistle was blown. Andre Onana made several mistakes throughout the tournament, but his last-minute penalty save against FC Copenhagen has now made him an Old Trafford hero.
Manchester United and FC Copenhagen faced each other in the Champions League Group Stage match on October 25. The match was a close one, with both sides enjoying equal possession. Though a lot of chances were created, the scoresheet remained empty until former captain Harry Maguire scored a beautiful header in the 72nd minute with the help of Christian Eriksen.
Copenhagen got a chance for an equalizer in the dying minute of the game when Scott McTominay committed a foul in the penalty area. Jordan Larsson stepped forward to take the chance, but the forward was unable to capitalize on the opportunity.
The 26-year-old tried to put the ball in the bottom left corner, but Andre Onana easily saved the shot, keeping his team at a one-goal lead and handing them the victory.
This heroic save by Onana has been appreciated not only by fans but also by Erik Ten Hag. In a post-match interview, he not only appreciated the penalty save but also talked about the goalkeeper’s overall performance throughout the game.
Who will Manchester United face next in UCL?
Though FC Copenhagen has faced defeat this time, they still have a chance at redemption on November 9. Manchester United and Copenhagen will once again face each other in their next UEFA Champions League Group Stage fixture. This match could provide a chance for Copenhagen to redeem themselves and for the Red Devils to prove themselves as the better side.
Andre Onana’s actions have given Manchester United three points, pushing them from the bottom of their group to third place. They are now only one point behind Galatasaray but still have a long way to go if they want to catch group leaders Bayern Munich, who currently have nine points in their bag.
Will Manchester United be able to leave the dark days behind and proceed to the UCL Round of 16? Let us know what you think in the comments.
